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American Wigeon

Anas americanaOrder: ANSERIFORMESFamily: Geese and Ducks (Anatidae)
American Wigeon Head Illustration

Head

  • Bill Shape: Spatulate
  • Eye Color: Dark brown.
  • Head Pattern: Eyeline, Capped, Special (unique patterns or features)
  • Crown Color: White
  • Forehead Color: White
  • Nape Color: White with black streaking.
  • Throat Color: White with black streaking.
  • Cere color: No Data
American Wigeon Body Illustration

Body

  • Length Range: 46-58 cm (18-23 in)
  • Weight: 771 g (27.2 oz)
  • Size: Size 4. Large (16 - 32 in)
  • Color: Green, White, Brown, Gray
  • Underparts: White
  • Upperparts: Brown with fine black barring.
  • Back Pattern: Solid
  • Belly Pattern: Solid
  • Breast Pattern: Solid
American Wigeon Flight Illustration

Flight

  • Flight Pattern: Swift direct flight with strong wing beats.
  • Wingspan Range: 76-89 cm (30-35 in)
  • Wing Shape: Tapered-Wings
  • Tail Shape: Pointed Tail
  • Tail Pattern: Streaked
  • Upper Tail: Black
  • Under Tail: Black
  • Leg Color: Gray
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Family Surface-feeding Duck (Anatidae)_blue
Species Anas americana
Length18 - 23 Inches
Wingspan32.5 Inches

American Wigeon

American Wigeon: Medium dabbling duck, brown body with white crown, large green ear patch extending to back of head, buff washed breast and sides, and white belly. White shoulder patches visible in flight. Black-tipped pale blue bill. Swift direct flight, strong wing beats. Flies in tight flocks.

● Song: "whew, whew, whew"

● Foraging & Feeding: American Wigeon: Opportunistic and aggressive feeder, often foraging in open water by stealing materials brought to the surface by diving ducks and coots. Feeds primarily on leafy aquatic plants, grass, and agricultural crops; also takes insects and other aquatic invertebrates.

● Breeding & nesting: American Wigeon: Six to twelve creamy white eggs are laid in a down-lined nest made of grass, often several hundred yards from water. Incubation ranges from 22 to 25 days and is carried out by the female.

● Similar species: American Wigeon: Eurasian Wigeon has rufous head, buff forehead and crown, and grayer sides and back.

Flight Pattern

Swift direct flight with strong wing beats.
American Wigeon Body Illustration
● Range & Habitat: American Wigeon: Breeds from Alaska, northern Manitoba and southern Quebec south to Nevada, the Dakotas, and the Great Lakes region, rarely farther east. Spends winters mainly along the Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf coasts. Marshes, ponds, and shallow lakes are preferred habitats.
BreedingMonogamous, Solitary nester
PopulationStable
MigrationMigratory
Weight27.2 Ounces